Philosophy of Physics Seminar (Thursday - Week 7, MT20)

Philosophy of Physics

In this talk I will set out a non-standard metaphysical framework, according to which there can be genuine facts regarding matters that are normally said to obtain only relative to something. The framework is in the spirit of Kit Fine’s fragmentalism, though different in formulation (also from the version of fragmentalism that I defended in earlier work). After sketching the metaphysical principles and the bit of logic needed to make sense of the view, I will discuss its application to the special theory of relativity. According to the proposed interpretation of the special theory of relativity, there are genuine facts regarding absolute simultaneity, temporal duration and length. If time permits, I will discuss one or two objections.

 

The Seminar is going to be held via Microsoft teams. Please email James Read if you would like to attend.


Philosophy of Physics Seminar Convenors for MT20: James Reid